Climate Adviser – PRES+

Position: Climate Adviser
Program: Pacific Regional Economic Support Plus Program (PRES+)
Location: Australia
Duration: Late November 2026 to 31 December 2028
Input Days: Up to 50 days per year
Required Travel: Canberra and the Pacific, as required
Reports To: Team Leader
Direct Reports: N/A

About the Program

PRES+ (Pacific Regional Economic Support Plus) is the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade's (DFAT's) Office of the Pacific's (OTP's) flexible, demand-driven technical advisory capability, providing standing support to PEB and buy-in support to the Office of the Pacific (OTP) sections, Pacific Posts and Desks.

The AUD 55 million investment runs from 2026–2028, with an option to extend to 2031. PRES+ provides expert advice on economic and fiscal governance, public financial management and budget support, the financial sector, private sector development, trade and social protection.

Gender equality, disability equity and social inclusion (GEDSI), climate change and monitoring, evaluation and learning (MEL) are integrated across its work.

PRES+ builds on the achievements and lessons of PRES (2021–2025), which delivered 248 activities.

PRES+ is supported by the Australian Government and implemented by Adam Smith International.

About Adam Smith International

Adam Smith International (ASI) is a global advisory company that works locally to transform lives by making economies stronger, societies more stable, and governments more effective.

Our clients are governments, international organisations, companies, and foundations. They come to us to develop strategies and to design, deliver and evaluate programmes that address the big challenges facing the world.

Position Summary

As a senior member of the PRES+ Core Team, the Climate Adviser provides strategic leadership and technical expertise to strengthen the integration of climate change and disaster risk reduction across the program.

Working collaboratively with DFAT, advisers and key stakeholders, the Adviser will lead the implementation and ongoing refinement of the PRES+ Climate Change Strategy, ensuring climate risks, resilience, adaptation and low-emissions development opportunities are appropriately considered across PRES+ activities.

The Adviser will provide technical advice, support activity design and review, strengthen capability, and contribute to program monitoring, learning, risk management and reporting.

Duties and Responsibilities

- Lead the implementation and periodic review of the PRES+ Climate Change Strategy, ensuring alignment with DFAT priorities, program objectives, environmental safeguards, and emerging good practice.
- Embed proportionate climate and disaster risk considerations across all PRES+ taskings, activity designs, workplans, technical advice, implementation and program management processes.
- Provide strategic and technical climate change advice to the PRES+ Core Team, DFAT, advisers, and delivery partners to support evidence-based decision-making and stronger development outcomes.
- Where requested, undertake and synthesise climate change analysis, research and evidence relevant to PRES+ economic investments, identifying climate risks, opportunities and practical entry points for adaptation, resilience and low-emissions development.
- Work closely with the Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) Adviser to integrate climate considerations into monitoring, indicators, data collection, analysis, reporting, learning and adaptive management.
- Support advisers, subcontractors and delivery partners to understand and meet relevant climate change and environmental safeguard requirements.
- Strengthen climate capability across PRES+, DFAT, advisers and delivery partners through practical guidance, training, coaching, and knowledge-sharing tailored to the Pacific context.
- Develop and contribute to climate-related knowledge products, lessons and communications that strengthen program learning and practice.
- Monitor climate-related risks, environmental safeguards and emerging issues and support appropriate mitigation and escalation.
- Contribute to PRES+ planning, governance and reporting, including workplans, six-monthly and annual reporting, and PRES+ Core Team decision-making.
- Where required, facilitate access to climate finance or other technical expertise where this would strengthen an activity or investment.

Key Relationships

- Reports to the PRES+ Team Leader and works as a senior member of the PRES+ Core Team, collaborating closely with all members.
- Works closely with DFAT, PRES+ advisers and delivery partners to integrate climate and disaster risk reduction across program activities.
- Builds effective working relationships with Pacific stakeholders, climate specialists and other technical partners relevant to PRES+ activities.
- Represents PRES+ in relevant meetings, workshops and learning activities as required.

Key Performance Indicators

- High-quality climate advice and agreed outputs are delivered within required timeframes and meet PRES+ and DFAT quality requirements.
- The PRES+ Climate Change Strategy is effectively implemented and periodically reviewed, with practical climate and disaster risk reduction considerations incorporated into relevant program systems and activities.
- Relevant Tasking Notes and technical outputs demonstrate proportionate and meaningful consideration of climate risks and opportunities, with practical actions identified where appropriate.
- Climate-related risks, environmental safeguard requirements and opportunities are identified early and appropriately managed or escalated.
- Climate evidence, stakeholder feedback and lessons are used to improve PRES+ advice, systems and approaches.
- The Adviser demonstrates effective collaboration, responsiveness and stakeholder engagement, supported by strong Adviser Performance Assessments.

Requirements

Optimal Qualifications and Experience

- At least 10 years' professional experience in climate change, climate resilience, climate finance, environmental sustainability and/or disaster risk reduction in international development, preferably including experience in the Pacific.
- Demonstrated experience developing and implementing climate strategies and mainstreaming climate considerations across complex programs, policies and investments.
- Strong technical expertise in climate adaptation, resilience, climate risk management, and sustainable development. Experience in climate finance, climate economics or sustainable investment will be highly regarded.
- Strong understanding of international development programming, results-based management, MEL and donor requirements. Experience working with DFAT-funded programs will be highly regarded.
- Understanding of the intersection between climate change and GEDSI, safeguarding, localisation and inclusive economic development.
- Demonstrated ability to translate climate analysis and evidence into practical advice for policy, programs and investment decisions.
- Strong written communication skills and experience producing high-quality technical advice, reports, guidance and learning products.
- Demonstrated ability to work effectively in multi-disciplinary and cross-cultural teams and build productive relationships with government, development and technical stakeholders.
- Relevant tertiary qualification in climate change, environmental science, environmental management, sustainable development, economics, public policy, international development or a related discipline. Equivalent professional experience may be considered.

How to Apply

Applications should be submitted via the Recruitee link no later than Thursday, 19th November 2026.

Applications will be accepted and reviewed on a rolling basis.

Applications should include a one-page cover letter addressing the required qualifications, experience, and attributes, a CV of no more than four pages and the contact details of three professional referees.

Adam Smith International is committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce. We welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people from Pacific Island countries, people with disabilities, and people of all genders. We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone is respected, supported and able to thrive.